Suzuki XL7

Overview

The Suzuki XL7 is essentially a more rugged version of the well-selling Ertiga MPV, with styling changes to give it a more premium and crossover-like appeal, which is trending nowadays. In the Philippines, the Suzuki XL7 is now the flagship vehicle from Suzuki, which is offered in four colour options – Brave Khaki, Rising Orange, Magma Grey, and Snow White.

Interior & Features

While the exterior of the Suzuki XL7 sees substantial changes over the Ertiga, the interior cabin comes with minimal changes over that of the latter. In the XL7, Suzuki has imparted an all-black layout, with carbon fiber pattern finishes at some places.

The three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel, as well as the nice-looking instrument console with multi-colored MID, looks nice. The centre console of the dashboard features a large 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, below which there is a small console for the buttons of automatic climate control. The rest of the dashboard has a simple layout, with a fine flowing layer of piano black finish across the width of the dashboard and slim AC vents in the upper portion of the dashboard.

The Suzuki XL7 has the same seating capacity and almost similar dimensions of the Ertiga, which has already received praises in the past for its space management for seven people in such a compact footprint. The large side windows further aid in making the cabin feel airy.

Exterior

Suzuki has done a commendable job in transforming the Ertiga’s platform into a more crossover-like vehicle in the form of XL7, by bringing in hefty changes to the frontal design and minute changes to side and rear, making it look altogether a different looking vehicle.

At the front, the Suzuki XL7 comes with a heavily redone fascia, which has a bold looking large hexagonal front grille characterised by a slim chrome garnish line in the middle. This chrome garnish extends in the middle of the large full LED headlamps making way for the daytime running LEDs. The front bumper looks rugged, thanks to the presence of black cladding, black fog lamp surrounds and a silver skid plate in the middle.

The side profile sees limited change over the Ertiga, barring the minute but easily noticeable change in the form of body cladding over wheel arches, lower portion of doors and silver skid plate running through the sides, as well as large roof rails. The clamshell-like bonnet design and the floating roof effect with a slim black finish on the C-pillar add some character to the side design.

At the rear, the Suzuki XL7 looks muscular over the Ertiga thanks to hefty looking silver skid plate within the thick black cladding on the bumper. The tail lamps have been retained from the Ertiga, but do get an extension on its upper edge beside the rear windshield, giving it a Christmas tree effect. The rear door also comes with a thick black garnish just below the windscreen to further differentiate it from the Ertiga.

Ride & Handling

The soft suspension setup of the Suzuki XL7, comprising of Macpherson struts at the front and torsion beam at the rear, are tuned on a softer side which helps in making the ride quality of the MPV quite plush. However, the steering setup too is on a lighter side, which at times feel lifeless at higher speeds, thus making the handling not as sure-footed as it should have been.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

The Suzuki XL7 has been given only one engine option in the form of a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, shared with its other siblings like Ertiga, Ciaz, and Jimny. The engine here develops a maximum power output of 105 PS and a peak torque output of 138 Nm. The engine gets paired to a 4-speed torque converter as standard.

Braking & Safety

The Suzuki XL7 is blessed with all the basics when it comes to safety equipment, like dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, electronic stability control, hill hold control and parking sensors with camera.

Verdict

The Suzuki XL7, with its bold rugged design and muscular appeal over the regular looking Ertiga, is one worthy option for those who want to make their vehicle look much like an SUV, but is practical for boarding seven passengers at an affordable price point.